10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
In "Penny Dreadful" Season 2, Vanessa Ives, a woman plagued by supernatural visions, and Ethan Chandler, a mysterious American with a dark past, are drawn together. They, along with Sir Malcolm Murray, who seeks to reconnect with his daughter Mina, face a growing threat from Evelyn Poole and her coven of witches. Evelyn desires Vanessa's power and seeks to destroy her.
The season's core conflict revolves around Evelyn's relentless magical attacks on Vanessa and her allies. Key turning points include the witches stealing Vanessa's hair for a ritual and Joan Clayton, Vanessa's former mentor, being burned at the stake. Later, Ethan transforms into a werewolf, revealing his monstrous nature, and Evelyn Poole ultimately dies at Ethan's hands. The season concludes with Ethan confessing his crimes and being extradited to America, leaving Vanessa alone and questioning her faith.
Season 2 of Penny Dreadful covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 2, Episode 1: Fresh Hell - The episode begins with Vanessa haunted by visions from Evelyn Poole. Ethan, waking after a massacre, plans to leave London, but an attack by nightcomers changes his mind. Brona is resurrected by Victor, while Caliban seeks work at a wax museum. The episode concludes with Vanessa praying as Evelyn performs a ritual.
Season 2, Episode 2: Verbis Diablo - Haunted by witches, Vanessa seeks solace with Sir Malcolm. Ferdinand Lyle helps decode the Verbis Diablo, while secretly spying for Evelyn Poole. Hecate murders a family on a train and steals their baby for a dark ritual. Evelyn uses the infant's heart in a puppet resembling Vanessa, suggesting a magical assault.
Season 2, Episode 3: The Nightcomers - Vanessa recounts her time with the Cut-Wife, Joan Clayton, a witch who teaches her to harness her powers. Evelyn Poole's coven seeks Vanessa, but Joan refuses to surrender her. Evelyn manipulates the villagers, leading to Joan being burned at the stake. Vanessa, branded with a cross, leaves with Joan's books, now aware of her destiny.
Season 2, Episode 4: Evil Spirits in Heavenly Places - Lyle reveals the Verbis Diablo's dark story affects Vanessa. Hecate attempts to seduce Ethan, but he sees through her ruse. Victor enlists Vanessa's help to buy Lily clothes. The witches attack Vanessa, stealing a lock of her hair. The episode concludes with the witches' successful assault, leaving the group shaken.
Season 2, Episode 5: Above the Vaulted Sky - As the mansion prepares for another attack, Ethan recounts a dark past. Gladys Murray commits suicide due to Evelyn's voodoo. Dorian and Angelique face public humiliation, strengthening their bond. Victor and Lily consummate their relationship. The episode concludes with the various characters grappling with the night's events and shifting alliances.
Season 2, Episode 6: Glorious Horrors - Malcolm, under Evelyn's spell, is detached after his wife's suicide. Dorian throws a ball for Angelique. Vanessa sees a vision of blood raining down in the ballroom and then faints. Ethan, seeking help, chains himself in the basement, where he transforms into a werewolf in front of Sembene.
Season 2, Episode 7: Little Scorpion - Vanessa and Ethan flee to the Cut-Wife's cottage, seeking solace. They grow closer, but Vanessa's past resurfaces when Sir Geoffrey appears. Meanwhile, Lily explores her newfound freedom, leading to a violent encounter where she murders a man. Vanessa, seeking revenge, uses dark magic to kill Sir Geoffrey. Ethan is horrified, telling her she'll never get her soul back.
Season 2, Episode 8: Memento Mori - Sir Malcolm confronts Evelyn, but is captured and tormented with visions of his dead family. Lily asserts her independence and manipulates Caliban, seducing him with a plan to murder Victor. Dorian poisons Angelique after she discovers his portrait. The episode concludes with Malcolm breaking free of Evelyn's control.
Season 2, Episode 9: And Hell Itself My Only Foe - Ethan and Vanessa kill Roper. Vanessa, desperate to save Malcolm from Evelyn, ventures to Poole's mansion alone. Ethan, Victor, Sembene, and Lyle follow. Ethan and Sembene are trapped, leading to Ethan's werewolf transformation and Sembene's death. The episode concludes with Vanessa facing Evelyn and her dark magic.
Season 2, Episode 10: And They Were Enemies - Vanessa battles Lucifer, who appears through a doll, while Malcolm and Victor fight apparitions. Evelyn Poole dies as Ethan tears out her throat. Caliban escapes the Putneys, killing them. Ethan confesses to Inspector Rusk and is extradited to America. Vanessa, alone, burns her crucifix.
